Treatments for depression

Overall, there are three different treatments for depression that are widely applied to sufferers. But you might wonder if your situation is different due to certain circumstances. So I have put together a list, explaining some common situations and how they affect depression and its treatment options.
 

Pregnancy

A Canadian study established that detecting depression as early as possible during pregnancy is critical, as an untreated depression during the entire pregnancy will most likely have cognitive, emotional, and behavioral consequences for child.[1] In addition to the common signs of depression, symptoms may include fear for the baby, fear of disturbing it and fear of being alone with it. Unless the depression is very severe, doctors do not recommend antidepressants as a treatment, as such unnatural drugs can affect the baby’s natural development. Rather, psychotherapy is the usual method to treat depression in pregnant women.[2]
 

Animals

Animals, especially social animals like dogs, can get depression just like humans can. Although they cannot verbally communicate their feelings, there are certain signs such as loss of interest in enjoyable activities, food and/or co-animals. Dogs may also exhibit stressful behavior when its owner is absent, and antidepressants is the go-to method for treating depression in dogs and other animals. In fact, antidepressants is a commonly prescribed drug for a variety of disorders in dogs.[3]

Age

Depression in the elderly is common although not normal, but it is more difficult to identify as the person in mind may assume that depression is just part of aging. Although retirement, the death of loved ones, increased isolation and medical problems is often associated with aging, the depressive thoughts these changes can cause are curable. Depressions in older people can be cured the same way as everyone else, but antidepressants is a risky treatment, as not only are seniors more vulnerable to side effects, antidepressants can also cause rapid bone loss and a higher risk of fracture after falling

Economy

People with limited financial means (poor people) are twice as likely to get depressed compared to those with a sufficient economy, a study from 2011 showed.[4] It found that 31% of Americans living under the international poverty line had been diagnosed with the disorder, compared to 15.8% of those living above it. Asthma and obesity is also more common, but the difference in depression is more striking.

Multiple sclerosis

Between 250,000 and 350,000 Americans have multiple sclerosis – a neurological disorder that ranks as one of the most common in the US.[5] Depression in MS patients is also very high, around 50%, a study found. [6] It is thus reasonable to assume that repeated sadness, loss of interest in pleasurable pastimes or other common symptoms of depression are part of, or due to, the MS condition, but is rather indicative of a separate case of depression. However, side effects of medication taken to treat multiple sclerosis may cause depression, or depression may itself be a side effect.[7]

Do you think your situation demands special consideration? Luckily, we have a range of different anti-depression apps. Check it out and see which one suits your situation the best!